Healthy Soup
A comforting, nourishing chicken soup packed with wholesome vegetables and aromatic herbs. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a healing meal, this soup offers rich flavors from tender chicken and savory broth, customizable with noodles, rice, or additional vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the whole chicken, onion, celery, carrot, garlic salt, black pepper, and bay leaf in a large stock pot with 3 quarts of water until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Allow the stock to cool.
- Refrigerate the stock and remove all fat from the surface.
- Remove the bones from the chicken.
- Set the cooked meat aside.
- Remove and discard any vegetables you do not want.
- Use the prepared stock and chicken meat with noodles, rice, or vegetables to make a healthy soup.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to your soup. If you don't have a whole chicken, bone-in chicken thighs or breasts work well as substitutes. You can also incorporate leftover vegetables from other meals to reduce waste and add variety. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, especially if using low-sodium broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the healthy soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for garnish. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side salad, such as Layered Club Salad, for a complete meal. You can also add cooked noodles or rice directly to the soup for a heartier dish. This versatile soup can be enjoyed on its own or as a starter for a larger meal.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Healthy Soup contains roughly 137 calories, with 5g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (51% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Simply skip the simmering step and use the meat from the rotisserie chicken, adding it to the prepared stock along with your choice of vegetables or noodles.
What can I do with leftover chicken soup?
Leftover chicken soup can be transformed into various meals. Serve it over rice for a simple dinner or mix in some cooked pasta for a filling meal. You can also use it as a base for Chicken Biscuit Stew or even freeze it for a quick meal later.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can add beans, lentils, or tofu for protein and enhance the flavor with additional vegetables and spices.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).